Imagine Greater Tucson 2010-11 Phase I Community Conversation and Survey Statements Related to Our culture of volunteerism

1	As above. Business, pick a theater, an art studio, a charity, and give them your support.
2	Assign volunteer librarians to public schools
3	Better education would draw more industry. Rotary is doing a lot through volunteers to improve reading grade 1-3. But the schools need to step up to the plate with higher standards that teachers are held to.
4	Choice of various kinds of volunteer organizations.
5	Easy to meet and know people and to be a part of a small group. Makes for excellent volunteer opportunities.
6	Encourages outdoor activities, more socializing, volunteerism, involvements in civic outlets
7	Expand volunteer opportunities.
8	Friendly people who give back to their community via volunteerism as well as financial support. There is a pride in helping others.
9	Gather a group of volunteer to focus on better education for parents. I have a little sister from Big Brothers Big Sisters and there is a big gap of communication between her and her hispanic parents. Part of the issue is the language barrier, they don't understand Facebook or Myspace or MMS or anything that our social media offers to our kids. My little sister has a double life because of this, she is getting into trouble, and her parent's don't even know it.
10	Get more volunteers into our schools
11	Get people to volunteer more
12	Hate is destructive of community values and undermines a healthy diversity. I work to develop neighborhood ties as a volunteer
13	I am a volunteer in the Old-Fort Lowell Live-at-Home program whose geographic area is Swan on West, Rillito on north, Grant, and Craycroft. I've gotten to know so many good people through OFLLAH. Because we have a neighborhood association, i.e. OFLNA, there are many activities and opportunities to know your neighbor.
14	I am a volunteer manager and so many people want to volunteer their free time for so many reasons. It's wonderful to be a part of this giving.
15	I am active in the arts scene, as a volunteer and patron, and to have all that the university has to offer, along with the classes aimed at seniors, makes Tucson, and my life full and rewarding on so many levels.
16	I am not for adding new freeways (to big city) but I do think we need to improve the roads we have. I think there should be a portion of our taxes that go to pay a PRIVATE company to do road construction/ repair. The city/ Pima County have failed miserably – if the city was run like a major corporation we would be far better off instead they are a charity that uses funds unwisely and continually asks for hand-outs (e.g. raising taxes)
17	I believe both our local public institutions of higher education offer exceptional opportunities for personal, professional, and community development. I am proud to say that I have attended both, and have benefitted personally from those experiences. I have returned to the Tucson area after pursuing my some of my career goals, and I benefit the region through both my professional contributions as well as through the many volunteer endeavors in which I participate.
18	I can engage in community-building with people from all walks of life who speak many languages and see the world from different perspectives. The interfaith community, volunteer organizations (removing buffel grass & habitat for humanity), events (gem & mineral show, Tucson Meet Yourself, 4th Ave. Street Fair, etc.) and various organizations (4-H, miniatures club, etc.) give people many opportunities to work together with others to make a stronger community.
19	I have granddaughters in school in Tucson. I volunteer in their schools every week. I can see so many needs that the schools have even though they are doing a fantastic job with the resources they have.
20	I like that Arizona has a minimalist government compared to other states (e.g. California, Massachusetts). I would like to see further restriction of the government at the local and state level so citizens can be allowed to live their lives and earn a living without a substantial portion of what they earn being taken away. I would like to see entitlement programs ended and allow charities to take these roles. Forced charity is theft and that is what the government is doing now.
21	I like to get out and participate in Cats in the Community, volunteer at St. Mary's Thrift Store, and pick up trash on my own in my neighborhood.
22	I love that people are kind in Tucson, most people I know volunteer in one way or another. There's plenty of opportunity to grow as a city through volunteering.
23	I moved here 11 years ago, knowing only one person. In all those years, I have been able to attend any function or volunteer for many activities...and merely stick out my hand and introduce myself. Nearly everyone is universally friendly and willing to include someone they don't know already in that activity.
24	I never knew a community so willing and eager to volunteer! We have almost more volunteers than we can train to do our work! And we have volunteers who have dedicated themselves to our work as jobs and are giving many, many hours over the course of months and even years!
25	I think if people were more aware, they would lend more support (idealist that I may be). Aware, how? Well publicized campaigns for volunteers, newspapers and TV getting on the bandwagon to galvanize support...
26	I think our elected officials are doing a great job by volunteering to serve the citizens of Tucson. But often times they seem stifled by party lines, media, policies and procedures. I trust them, if they plan something, then follow through dammit. You can't make every body happy all the time, but you're going to piss off more people if you are indecisive.
27	I volunteer at the Desert Museum as a Junior Docent, and I enjoy educating the public about the wonders of our natural desert environment. The Desert Museum is pretty sweet!
28	I volunteer in the greater community and value the partnership that creates. Those opportunities expand the resources available to me personally and professionally.
29	I volunteer w/ Literacy Volunteers of Tucson and see the need to increase literacy rates in Tucson
30	I want to be in a place where I feel people are dedicated to creative expression and celebration of place. I like that Tucson is so casual and that everyone is so interconnected (i.e., you don't get 'lost' in the crowd). There isn't a lot of pretense here, which I like. I also like that folks here aren't as apathetic as from where I came from in the midwest--there are tons of folks putting a lot of volunteer hours into making Tucson a better place.
31	I want to be part of a community that cares more about its children, its impoverished people and others who are less able to care for themselves. The schools seem especially in need of more support, more volunteers
32	I want to see every person making small sacrifices to save the desert. Using less water, volunteering to help pull invasive species, carpooling and driving less etc.
33	I work for Junior Achievement, a non-profit organization that enters into classrooms K-12. Along with other volunteers, I see the poor conditions that the teachers have to work with to prepare our students for their future.
34	I would institue a volunteer corps to clean up the city.
35	I would like our 'aide' organizations to be strong again, to have participation from the public via volunteerism, to have the funds to provide the material needs for those in need.
36	I've been a member of and volunteered for the Tucson Community Supported Agriculture group, the U.S. Green Building Council Southern Arizona Chapter, the annual bike count by the Pima Association of Governments, and the Watershed Management Group. All of these groups have benefited me personally and work to make Tucson a stronger, more sustainable community. One that I'm proud to be a part of.
37	It's important to me that optimism and positive thoughts reign. Rather than just hearing about mayhem & problems in the news, I want to know about and celebrate people who are gathering together to help others and to help Tucson and Southern AZ. It's all about love instead of fear for me. We volunteer and financially support such efforts.
38	Lots of community and arts organizations that rely on volunteers
39	No matter what you want to do, it is within reach from Tucson. Arts, outdoor recreation, social events, opportunities to volunteer, and access to most anything you need.
40	Now that I'm retired I can do volunteer work for civic organizations, & am invloved in several.
41	Opportunities to volunteer.
42	People volunteer to make this a better place
43	People who are willing to donate their time for community services, i.e., litter removal, food bank volunteering, hospital volunteering, etc.
44	People's willingness to give of their time and resources is powerful and inspiring. Since volunteerism is a passion of mine, it is great to know so many like-minded people populate our city.
45	Stop FORCING people to pay for their neighbors health care or food. If someone wants to help their neighbor out they will give to a charity. Current entitlements are a form of theft and erodes true charity.
46	The East Side Volunteers take me to my medical appointments and it makes life so much easier for me. I also like the volunteers at PCOA who help in many ways.
47	The focus on bringing people of all walks together for specific needs of the community (service, volunteerism, advocacy, human services initiatives)
48	The heart of Tucson is its downtown area. I have been saddened to see the waste and inefficient use of the funds allocated to the Rio Nuevo. It's tragic when leaders cannot work together for the common good. Often I attend events and volunteer in the downtown area.
49	The meaningful volunteer opportunities
50	The number of volunteers involved in community improvement groups like Unite Way, the hospitals, schools, other health organizations, Rotary and many, many spontaneous causes that come up frequently.
51	The perspectives, insight and experience of those that were not born here or raised here, but have chosen to be here and have 'adopted' southern Arizona. They have been other places, seen other ways of doing things, have good ideas. Their contributions in research, charitable giving, volunteerism, and community leadership are very special.
52	There are so many chances to volunteer in our community and the children are welcome to volunteer in many areas.
53	There are so many opportunities to participate in and enjoy the natural beauty all around us. Whether Sabino Canyon, trail hiking, charity runs, walking the neighborhood, etc.--and of course our lovely, year-round weather--we are so blessed.
54	There are so many places to go and things to do to stay active and enjoy the beauty of the area. So many knowledgeable volunteers who share their expertise with residents and visitors alike.
55	There is so much to do here, ranging from art of all kinds, music of all kinds, volunteer opportunities, outdoor activities, etc. If you can't find something to do here, you are just to lazy to get off of your fat ass.
56	These areas seem more in touch with the needs of small businesses, the importance of government accountability, and the role of local charity and volunteerism. Community balance is more transparent. The rural communities next to S, OV, & M are good reminders of simple, affordable lifestyles and the importance of ranching and farming and making and selling products and not just service industries.
57	This is too much burden on churches and volunteers. It is going to get worse every year because of the aging of the population and increase in numbers of poor people looking for an opportunity in the sunshine state.
58	Too many schoolboards have eliminated librarians and teachers are trying to cover the school's library one day a week in order to keep it open. Every member of out city council should volunteer somewhere every week.
59	Tucson could become more beautiful if we could clean up some neighborhoods of junk, etc. could be a volunteer effort to help those who need it. Also, let,s keep trash off the sides of the beautiful roadways. I like to see nice things, and I also like to volunteer to help others.
60	Volunteer Opportunities
61	Volunteer engagement
62	Volunteering
63	Volunteerism
64	We all want good schools and safer neighborhoods. Groups of seniors may volunteer to take kids to the park after school, while parents work. Artists or actors could teach painting or read stories. Everyone has a gift.
65	We support each other through our faith and volunteer work in the community.
66	What I like is volunteer opportunities
67	When people think they can make a difference in their government, they will continue to get involved in the democratic process, to volunteer, to protest, and to vote. Years ago when volunteering for a candidate, I saw one of my major professors from the University. It was the 'small town in a big city', along with the involvement of the citizens of Tucson.
68	Wide array of community events (Tucson meet yourself, charity sporting events, etc.)
69	Willingness of Tucsonans to volunteer time and talent
70	With my Christian values, this is so important to me. Our family does a lot of volunteering and collecting for non-profits. I find the community very supportive.
71	With places like the library, the Drawing Studio, Literacy volunteers and the Desert Museum there are always opportunities to continue learning. No matter what age, what interests there are ways to engage the mind. This doesn't even count the quality educational opportunities at the University and Pima College. These educational institutions contribute to a culture of learning and a place with interesting people and ideas.
72	Without the encouragement of friendly neighbors, many of the community needed volunteer jobs would not be possible.